Did the Bible Predict AI? Rabbi Simon Jacobson Answers | Theological with Shabbos Kestenbaum

Did the Bible predict artificial intelligence — and are we creating a digital god?

In this episode of Theological, Shabbos Kestenbaum sits down with Rabbi Simon Jacobson, dean of the Meaningful Life Center and author of Toward a Meaningful Life, for a conversation about AI, the soul, human agency, the Tower of Babel, Shabbat, jobs, spiritual purpose, and what makes human beings different from machines.

They discuss the questions people are searching:
• Did the Bible predict AI? Rabbi Jacobson connects artificial intelligence to Isaiah’s vision of a world “filled with divine knowledge.”
• Will AI take our jobs? Jacobson argues that if humans define themselves as machines, machines will eventually do those tasks better.
• What makes humans different from AI? The conversation returns again and again to the soul, free will, human agency, and being created in the image of God.
• Is AI the new Tower of Babel? Shabbos asks whether AI could become this generation’s attempt to replace God.
• Can AI replace rabbis, priests, or pastors? Rabbi Jacobson explains why AI can provide information, but cannot replace human relationship, emotional connection, and spiritual fulfillment.
• Can AI write sermons or give spiritual advice? Jacobson tests the limits of his own AI chatbot — live in the episode.
• Are we creating a digital god? Shabbos asks whether AI could become an idol if humans give it authority over truth, morality, and meaning.
• Can AI lead to a spiritual revolution? Jacobson argues that if AI frees us from mundane work, humanity may finally be forced to ask: Who are we, really?

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